Sonny Stitt - A Tribute To Duke Ellington (With Strings) (2026) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist:

01. Sonny Stitt - Take the "A" Train (3:42)
02. Sonny Stitt - Prelude to a Kiss (4:15)
03. Sonny Stitt - It Don't Mean a Thing, If It Ain't Got That Swing (4:33)
04. Sonny Stitt - Cotton Tail (5:12)
05. Sonny Stitt - In a Sentimental Mood (4:07)
06. Sonny Stitt - In a Mellow Tone (4:42)
07. Sonny Stitt - Jeep's Blues (5:43)

A tribute to Duke Ellington (originally released as Sonny Stitt With Strings) features Stitt's long-outdated 1977 Catalyst Jazz record. It includes seven well-known Duke Ellington songs. Saxophonist Sonny Stitt was a student of Charlie Parker. This record is one of the stronger and more detailed recordings in Stitt's discography, with Stitt utilizing a string section (The Bill Finegan String Ensemble). Unsurprisingly, Stitt retained the same approach to strings as Charlie Parker had a decade earlier, with his saxophone hovering above them rather than being held by them. Sonny Stitt (on alto and tenor saxophone) is also accompanied by a fine rhythm section featuring pianist Gildo Mahones, bassist Allen Jackson, and Clarence Johnston on drums.

"Sonny Stitt (on alto and tenor) is joined by a fine rhythm section featuring pianist Gildo Mahones and an eight-piece string section arranged by Bill Finegan for seven familiar Duke Ellington songs. No real surprises occur although the string charts are a cut above the usual. Stitt is at his most melodic and really romps on a few of these pieces, most notably "Cottontail." (Scott Yanow, AMG)

Sonny Stitt, tenor saxophone, alto saxophone
Gildo Mahones, piano
Allen Jackson, bass
Clarence Johnston, drums
Bill Finegan, conductor, string section arrangement